Conveyor belt sushi spot in Houston boasts Michelin cred, cheap prices
Fresh off the heels of Houston's inaugural Michelin Guide ceremony this past Monday, another Michelin-awarded concept is scheduled to debut this week. Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onadera–from the Tokyo-based Onadera Group, which has 20 locations in three countries, including several high-end concepts that have earned Michelin stars–will make its Houston debut on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Located prominently on the street-facing northwest corner of the West on West complex , Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onadera is a conveyor belt sushi concept that specializes in Edomae-style sushi. In Japan, Kaitenzushi () refers to conveyor belt sushi and is popular because it's generally more affordable and more convenient than conventional sit-down sushi restaurants.
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onadera founding chef Akifumi Sakagami, whose skills have helped earn the group 15 Michelin stars to date, was in Houston this week to demonstrate the conveyor belt concept alongside the local team, which will be headed by Executive Chef Kotaro Sato. Sato comes to Houston by way of Hawaii, where he successfully launched Kaiten's Honolulu location last year.
Whereas concepts like Kura Revolving Sushi Bar send out a parade of sushi that diners can pick and choose as they wish, Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onadera makes every piece to order, sending out sushi down the conveyor belt after it's been ordered from a touch screen. This method ensures that the quality of sushi is not compromised as it comes directly from the sushi bar to your specific spot.
Price-wise, Kaiten is indeed very reasonable. Patrons can enjoy sushi for as low as $3 apiece for aji (horse mackerel) to $3.15 per piece for seared salmon nigiri sushi. Mid-priced sushi is priced in the $4 to $8 range, with popular choices like tuna akami or gizzard shad ringing in at just $4.50. Premium sushi pieces run higher, with chu-toro (medium fatty tuna) priced at $7, otoro (premium fatty tuna) priced at $9.50, and uni (purple or red sea urchin) at $13 per piece.
Other highlights include the incredibly priced Japanese egg custard, or chawanmushi for $6, shoyu ramen for $10, as well as Kaiten's Texas-inspired menu items: softshell crab roll ($10), chili and roast beef roll ($10), special salmon spicy roll ($10), and club roll with ikura and caviar ($10).
Design-wise, the aesthetic is clean and minimalist, featuring pale woods set against dark gray wall features and textiles. In the center of the dining room, several booths accommodate parties of four to six, with individual bar seating on both sides of the restaurant for smaller pirates and solo diners. The restaurant also boasts an attractive bar area and a single private dining room with seating for up to six people.
To celebrate its grand opening, Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onadera will celebrate with three days' worth of special promotions. From Saturday, Nov. 16, through Monday, Nov. 18, the first 300 guests will have the chance to spin the wheel for a gift card for future use valued up to $100. The restaurant will also offer special introductory pricing for its popular Yamayuki bluefin tuna 3-piece set and salmon 3-piece set.
"As a new culinary landmark in Houston, a city where diverse cultures converge, we are committed to providing a delightful and memorable dining experience rooted in the local community," said CEO Shinji Nagao. "We look forward to sharing our Japanese culinary excellence with all Houstonians."
Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Houston will be open daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
